Still hurting Tuesday in his return to Florida’s lineup after getting five days off, Hanley Ramirez could be shut down for the rest of the season because of an elbow injury.
Ramirez began experiencing discomfort in his non-throwing elbow about a week before the Marlins decided to shut him down. He was given five straight days off and he reported improvement Tuesday before returning to the lineup and going 1-for-4 against the Mets. Unfortunately, it seems he aggravated his condition then, which could lead to tests this week. And manager Edwin Rodriguez wasn’t sure whether he’d play again.
“We have to leave that door open,” Rodriguez told the Miami Herald when asked if Ramirez could be shut down. “We have to do what’s in the best interest of the organization.”
If Ramirez is done, he’ll finish a disappointing 2010 season with a .300/.378/.475 line, 21 homers, 76 RBI and 32 steals in 141 games. Of course, just about any shortstop in any era would be thrilled with such a year. Ramirez, though, had posted OPSs over 940 in three straight seasons before dropped to 853 this year.

The Hanster’s rookie callup replacement, Ozzie Martinez (one hopes the only Ozzie who will be wearing teal next season) went one for three with a walk, double and run scored, and made a couple of really nifty fielding plays tonight as the Feesh swept a meaningless two game series from the Mutts and their ambulatory cadaver of a manager. To be honest, I don’t know if Hanley could have made on or two of those plays even with his elbow in premium condition. Hanley can go home and go fishing now; no point in damaging that golden elbow and his infield position is in good hands.